Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Circle of Life

Our family has experienced an abundance of life and loss over the past few weeks. Such a deep, emotional learning experience for us as a family.

Exquisite joy and profound loss....

Pregnancy #4

Family ceremony to say "good-bye" to the baby after a miscarriage. Guitar, playing the glockenspiel, rose, candle and words....

A cat came to us, pregnant with kittens. Welcome, Sammy!

Family memorial for our pet rabbit of 5 years, "Rabbie". Guitar, poem, digging a grave, making a wood sign.

Although this was not an easy post to create, writing it helps to bring closure to emotional endings, while rejoicing at new beginnings. Experiencing loss and new life are a part of who we are as human beings. Celebrating and remembering together in ceremony brings us closer as a family....

We totally understand where you are coming from. We may not have lost a human life, but we lost many lives. The 7 lives of our wonderful chickens and the loss of a much loved cat. It has been a terrible few days for us as well. But, on a happier note we gained 2 rescue horses. The joys and sadness of life itself.

Again, I know it's hard. We are sending as many good thoughts your way as we can muster. Hang in there.

I am so sorry for your deep loss. And in the midst of a largely death-denying culture, it sounds as though you have tenderly honoured your baby as well as the sorrow of the whole family. There is power in that.

jennifer, my heart goes out to you and your family in this difficult time. i can not imagine the loss that you must feel. it is a gift and a blessing that you have such a wonderful, beautiful family to hold each other and help each other through this time. i will be thinking of you and sending lots of love and healing thoughts you way.

I can feel your pain, I cried today when I read your post ... I also lost a baby a year ago at 20 weeks in pregnancy... sorry... my singing and my prayers are with you sisterbendiciones y amor infinito para ustedes

(((hugs))) to you Jennifer and your family. My prayer for you is serene happiness and wellness. I am glad that the earth has surrounded you with life. May it refresh your soul as you take this new breath.

Miscarriages are strange. This past May I had my 3rd. I also have 2 boys, so I am grateful for the experience of being a mother, but it is a strange place to be, when you are expecting life one day and the next your body is expelling it. Once I was relieved, once I was mad and this last time, I am just plain bewildered. Life comes and goes and we are vessels to facilitate the process. Empty in my belly, but full in my heart as I do have 2 young boys that smile every morning and I kiss every night. Wishing you peace and grace during this time for you and your family.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Jennifer. Sending love and strength your way to cope with that. A goodbye ceremony sounds like such a lovely way to unite the family under difficult circumstances - you are such an inspiration xx

When we cannot understand, we pray. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. So sorry for your loss. I hope your family will bring you solace and unexpected joy during this difficult time. Love always,